Local, Or Large School?

[Guest heli206212]

heli206212,

 

I'm actually 28 years old. I'm just coming out of doing management, and technical sales. I've always wanted to be a CHP, and i've decided if i don't go for it, it will haunt me for the rest of my life.

 

I've decided i'll go to what ever school is best for me. Vancouver, i just want to live there. It's a beautiful city. I'm sure Ryan, will back me on that one.

 

I'm leaning towards Canadian Helicopters school in Toronto, but waiting tell i get some feedback on other schools. Planning to start September. If anyone has suggestions, i'd appreciate it.. Esp.. Since i don't have a aviation background.

 

Bryan

Hey Bryan,

 

I have been giving you my experience and opinions, and as they say" opinions are like A** holes, la la la ". You know what I mean. It is just my thoughts, always ask other guys. As well have now know, everyone on this site have different opinions , experience, etc.

 

Anyway, I hope that maybe some of what I tell might help.

 

First, I trainined with Canadian and worked with them. I have nothing negative to say, had a great experience. But things have changed for studetns training there, They have no SprayProgram in Edmonton that I know of anymore, so it is hard to work with them after training. But as aI said, not sure about the program existing!!

 

You are a good age and I would take a LEAVE from original work to do your course( maybe 6 months) and look for a job in helicopters. If you find nothing in that season, return back to your old job. You are lucky to have something to fall back on.

 

Second, I lived in Vancouver for 3 years when I started out. Probably the most beautiful city in Canada, but still very experience. Also, Ryan is flying which equals money and your not, no disrespect. If you do not find work in the helicopter industry, where you gonna live and why. you have to pay loans back and want to keep your credit excellent for a raining day. Lots of money in the patch in Alberta, and B.C. , if you like.

 

Third, remember to market yourself to helicopter operators with your Marketing and Sales skills. You could possible help an operator out there. Good way to get your foot in the door, and to get an Endorsement!!!

 

Anyway, there is a lot to think about, so do what you think is best for you and complete your dream.

Always have a good attitude and work hard. You still have time to check things out, and check them out again. haha

 

All the best

[Guest heli206212]

heli206212,

 

I'm actually 28 years old. I'm just coming out of doing management, and technical sales. I've always wanted to be a CHP, and i've decided if i don't go for it, it will haunt me for the rest of my life.

 

I've decided i'll go to what ever school is best for me. Vancouver, i just want to live there. It's a beautiful city. I'm sure Ryan, will back me on that one.

 

I'm leaning towards Canadian Helicopters school in Toronto, but waiting tell i get some feedback on other schools. Planning to start September. If anyone has suggestions, i'd appreciate it.. Esp.. Since i don't have a aviation background.

 

Bryan

Hey Bryan,

 

Sorry about that. I ment for you to use your Management and Tech. skills for possible work in the heli industry.

 

Also, remember you want to learn as much as you can about flying and bush work. Consider schools that offer training in Mountains, bush, rivers, hydro pads, log pads, airport. All the real stuff you will use on your first job. You also do not want 6 different instructors, waiting for flights or exams, etc. etc. etc. A lot to think about here for sure.

 

A Turbine Endorsement on a 206 is good, no need to do 20 hours. Save your money, it is the endorsement that counts. As Ryan said, you need to get all the other stiff to work on the ground like First Aid, etc. Very important to make you marketable. Do that on your own if you can. Also, a Pesticide License for B.C. and Alberta would be good.

 

Where you live now??

[Guest heli206212]

hey Bryan,

 

Once you get going you will choice what interest you the most for flying. It is a good time for experienced pilots, and low time pilots wanting to pay their dues. You can choice contract or Full-time when you have enough hours for operators to want you services.

 

Why would you want to move to Vancouver? B.C. Helicopters school? Very expensive to live and I think it would be wiser to live in Nothern B.C. or Alberta. How old are you?

 

Concentrate on your course and working hard to learn as much as you can. I started in Jan. and finished in mid-March. It does not have to take 6-8 months to do your course. What school have you choosen? and of Why?

 

If you do not have the money for a mini-ops course, don't worry about. Do you have a job to fall back on if you do not find work that summer? Some guys do, and it allows them not to worry about financial problems.

 

When are you doing this course?

 

Bryan,

 

Quick question. Have you any reason to believe you might not pass an av medical. Just for shi*s and Giggles, make an appointment with your general doc and have a full medical. Or go see a Av doc and have a real medical for your training. your course is only 4 months away. it will give you an idea if something was wrong and a little time to possible solve the problem.

 

 

 

Just a thought.

[Bryan]

I live in the Economic Booming Capital, Edmonton Alberta. Going to school around home doesn't matter, if i have to pay rent to live somewhere, it should be in the place that gives me the best oppurtunity to succeed.

 

 

Picking a school, is proably the hardest decision, i've got to make. Alot riding on it.

[Bryan]

I've already passed my aviation medical, with a local transport Dr. Done an introductory flight at our local school. So after, i take the money i have double it at the casino, i should be already to go.. hehehe.. (casino/bank)

[Ryan]

Just a thought.

 

If you're **** bent on moving to Vancouver, all the power to ya. It is indeed a great place to be. But if ou want to work in BC it would be a good idea to train in BC. Put yourself in the chief pilot's position. If given 2 resumes from 2 equally trained pilots, one trained locally and one trained half way across the country. Who would you choose?

 

Not saying one is better than the other at all. Just have to get all the ammo in your favor possible. Competition was fierce 3 years ago when I was an unemployed 100 hour pilot. I can't imagine how fierce it is now that there are actually jobs to fight over!

[johnson4]

This is a bit of a side note but....

A Turbine Endorsement on a 206 is good, no need to do 20 hours. Save your money, it is the endorsement that counts.

How many of you out there would agree with this. I had been thinking that 10-20 hrs. of turbine time was essential for my 1st 100 but now that statement has me thinking. The thought of going to a school that flies only turbine seems even more overkill (I know there are other benefits but Im speaking generally)

 

So What's the general consensus, is it more valuable to increase your "turbine time" or the number of endorsement types?

[Guest heli206212]

I've already passed my aviation medical, with a local transport Dr. Done an introductory flight at our local school. So after, i take the money i have double it at the casino, i should be already to go.. hehehe.. (casino/bank)

 

After Van. i moved to Edmonton.

 

I thought there were lots of opportunities. Most of the flying is up North, B.C. and Alb. Personally, I think Ab. has less restrictions for Fires and flying the such. But the Oil and Gas has some hard restrictions now-a-days.

 

Have you been over to see Can heli., Delta, Great Salve., etc. did you ask if you could volunteer in the hangar for experience?

[Guest heli206212]

This is a bit of a side note but....

 

How many of you out there would agree with this. I had been thinking that 10-20 hrs. of turbine time was essential for my 1st 100 but now that statement has me thinking. The thought of going to a school that flies only turbine seems even more overkill (I know there are other benefits but Im speaking generally)

 

So What's the general consensus, is it more valuable to increase your "turbine time" or the number of endorsement types?

 

Good question.

 

I would think more Turbine is very good to have. BUT, like I said, if money is not an issue with the individual, go for it. Endorsements? Well, what kind of endorsements are you thinking? IFR and Night I would say maybe not at your stage. I would think they would not have any benefit to you yet. Yes, there is always a benenfit to any additional training. But again, if you have the money for sure. Actually, if you have lots of money just buy everything. A helicopter, experience, contracts, etc.

 

Every person has a different situation, just do wwhat you believe feels right and keep a good attitude and work ethic.

[Guest heli206212]

Just a thought.

 

If you're **** bent on moving to Vancouver, all the power to ya. It is indeed a great place to be. But if ou want to work in BC it would be a good idea to train in BC. Put yourself in the chief pilot's position. If given 2 resumes from 2 equally trained pilots, one trained locally and one trained half way across the country. Who would you choose?

 

Not saying one is better than the other at all. Just have to get all the ammo in your favor possible. Competition was fierce 3 years ago when I was an unemployed 100 hour pilot. I can't imagine how fierce it is now that there are actually jobs to fight over!

 

Hey Ryan,

 

True statement, to a certain degree. But as I am sure you know. The operation is going to give the person a check ride. All things considered: attitude, references, school trained, etc. etc. and if all things equal, the new 100 pilot who can handle the aircraft AND who the C.P. thinks will progress to Fires, longline, etc. etc. will get the position. Not the person who is from the same part of the country. Not from my experience. Not that it does not happen as you said, because I agree it does sometimes, but more often than not it will mostly depend on the individual's ability and confidence.

 

Later